Newsletter for Nov. 25-Needham Wellesley Football Dinner

Annual Needham Wellesley Football Dinner held at the Needham Sheraton Hotel.

Pres. Glen led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, Bob Cocks conducted 'God Bless America' and Karen Wetmore delivered the invocation.

Every year, the Needham and Wellesley Rotary Clubs get together to host each other to celebrate the nation's oldest H=High Scholl football Rotary. This was the 127th year of this match up. Present were the Seniors from the Needham and Wellesley football teams, the Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Athletic Trainers, Director and Assistant Athletic Directors, High School Principals and Superintendents of both schools.

CLUB CHALLENGE:This year, for the first year, Superintend Dr. David Lussier of the Wellesley School system challenged Dr. Dan Gutekanst of Needham as follows: if Needham wins, he will deliver a platter of sandwiches from the 'Linden St. Deli' in Wellesley to Needham's central staff. Not to be outdone, Dr. Gutekanst said if Wellesley wins, he will deliver bagels from Bagel's Best in Needham to the Wellesley School central office for breakfast. (Well, looks like Dr. Lussier will be visiting  Needham!!!).

GUEST SPEAKER: The guest speaker was Gary Gillis, former sports broadcaster in Boston, and son of Don Gillis, another former sports broadcaster who was on Channel 5 for years. Gary played in 'The Game' in 1973, and went on to play football at Harvard. His most famous appearance at Harvard was when the were playing Yale in the fourth quarter of the final game of the season when the famous coach Joe Restik turned to the bench, his eyes locked on Gary, and the coach said "Yale is ahead by a score of 39 to zero. Is there anyone else who hasn't played?" That's when Gary went in.

Gary went on to say how wonderful it was to  play team sports, and the relationships with teammates and competitors last a life time. To this day, he still sees guys he played with and against around town, and there is an immediate bond. with them. Sports are important, they teach you to strive for a goal, and teach one the humility which is so necessary.

FUTURE WELLESLEY EVENT: Wellesley Rotary member Tory de Fazio told us about a May 2015 event they are planning for the musical event with Sol Y Canto in Concert. Tickets are $30 each. See their web site.